TROY, Mich. (May 3, 2005) — Truck component supplier ArvinMeritor has become the newest member of the Tire Retread Information Bureau (TRIB).

The Tire Retread Information Bureau is a non-profit, member-supported industry association dedicated to the recycling of tires through retreading and repairing, and to promoting proper maintenance for all tires.

“The organization does great work and is a strong advocate of tire maintenance, a crucial element to increasing tire life, fuel efficiency and safety, and to keeping vehicles on the road generating revenue,” said Mike Pennington, ArvinMeritor senior director-global marketing communications, said in a press release. “Those are among the reasons that our Meritor Tire Inflation System by PSI has been so well accepted by motor carriers.”

An automatic tire inflation system for trailers, the Meritor system uses compressed air from the trailer air system to inflate any tire that falls below a pre-set pressure. As a self-contained system, it connects all tires on the trailer to a controlled air supply to fill and maintain air pressure at a constant and proper level, even while the vehicle is moving.

As air pressure decreases from the tire manufacturer’s recommended level, the system automatically routes air supply to a control box and then into the axle. The air is then distributed to each tire, helping to extend tire life and allowing for more even wear and maximized retread potential.

“We are delighted that ArvinMeritor has joined the ranks of TRIB,” said Harvey Brodsky, managing director of TRIB. “They, along with our other members, recognize that TRIB’s efforts to promote proper tire maintenance, tire repair and tire retreading benefit the entire trucking industry and motoring public.”

Meanwhile, ArvinMeritor’s Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket business unit has announced a sales management reorganization. Jim Sharkey has been appointed to the newly-created position of director of sales North America. Sharkey will manage the entire North American sales team’s strategic direction and prioritize the correct customer focus.

Also, Walt Sherbourne was named regional manager, Eastern U.S. and Canadian regions; John Sotiroff was named regional manager, Western U.S. and Mexico regions; Mark Mercatante was made manager of linehaul OEM sales and Paul Nyers is manager of specialty and trailer OEM sales. Jim Vigliano maintains his position as senior manager, fleet sales.